June 24th: Sixth Negotiation Meeting
As June comes to an end, the SAFA Bargaining Team acknowledges that this time of year can have very different meanings to our diverse membership. For our contingent members, the summer months can be a period of unemployment and uncertainty as they wait to hear about contract renewals. Many permanent members are still working on curriculum projects and new initiatives this month; for others, vacation may have already begun but fall courses are never far from their minds. We want to wish all members a restful and restorative period this summer and we hope that everyone can safely return to work this fall after all the upheaval of the past year.
Update on Negotiations
Your Bargaining Team met with the employer twice in June, on the 9th and the 23rd. Both sessions focused on performance management, with SAIT presenting their concept for a new structure, including the case for changes to the annual review process. In general, SAFA acknowledges the benefits of updating the performance review process but has requested additional information about the impact on the discipline process, workload, and pay progression. SAIT will be working over the summer to develop a more detailed proposal around these areas.
At the conclusion of the June 23rd session, SAFA and SAIT mutually agreed to suspend negotiations until fall 2021 due to multiple team members on leave over the summer months. Negotiations (and updates) are expected to resume in September 2021.
In Solidarity,